Is degreaser the same as WD 40?

Author: Lionel Ebert  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

WD-40 is a lubricant dissolved in a solvent. While it can break down grease and oil to a certain degree, it also adds back some. This might be desirable if you are cleaning a hinge, conveyor, or corrosive-prone part, but not if you need it truly clean.

What can you use as a degreaser?

Lestoil, ammonia, dish detergent and HOT water. Lestoil and ammonia are both effective degreasers. When used together, they smell like original Pine-Sol.

Can you use WD-40 as an engine degreaser?

Generally speaking, yes it is okay. In fact, WD-40 is good to use as a cleaning solvent to help remove grease and grime from valve covers, etc. under the hood. Just spray it on a cold engine, let it sit a couple of minutes then wipe it off with paper towels or a shop rag.

Can I use WD-40 to clean grease?

WD40 is not just for the garage. It is another great tool to use in your cleaning arsenal. From crayons to grease, it makes a specific mess clean-up a cinch. Cleaning grease stains from laundry can be tough. but WD 40 does a fantastic job at getting oil or grease completely out. Pick up WD 40 on Amazon ➡️https.

Can I use WD-40 to degrease chain?

This is a common myth that is entirely false with almost zero basis in fact. In short, the main ingredient in WD-40 is essentially kerosene, which is perfectly fine to use for chain cleaning. So you can clean your chain with WD-40 and you will NOT damage the o-rings in any way, shape or form.

WD-40® Specialist® Machine & Engine Degreaser

Is WD-40 a degreaser?

WD-40 is a lubricant dissolved in a solvent. While it can break down grease and oil to a certain degree, it also adds back some. This might be desirable if you are cleaning a hinge, conveyor, or corrosive-prone part, but not if you need it truly clean.

Should I soak my chain in degreaser?

Under no circumstances should a chain be soaked in degreaser. If left for too long, the cleaning solution can corrode the metal and cause cracks.

What should you not use WD-40 on?

7 places to never use WD-40 — you'll be surprised
  • Hinges. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Bike chains. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Locks. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. ...
  • Sensitive electronics. ...
  • Wax polishes and some wax coatings. ...
  • Anything that comes into contact with food.

What is the most powerful degreaser?

The highest strength industrial degreaser available, Solvalene was created for the toughest degreasing applications. This alkaline fortified, water based degreaser is extremely versatile and can handle most heavy duty cleaning assignments.

What dissolves grease the best?

1: Vinegar

For tough, caked-on grease stains, especially those stuck to the stove and the inside of the oven, you can spray white vinegar directly on the stain and let it soak in for about five minutes.

Is Dawn dish soap a good engine degreaser?

Yes, dish soap can work for cleaning engines if you dilute it with water first. It's very safe as long as you rinse it thoroughly since it's not anywhere near strong enough to damage things like paint, but if the engine is very dirty, it may not be particularly effective either.

What is a good substitute for engine degreaser?

This recipe may sound strange, but kerosene works well to remove grease and gunk from engines. For this engine degreasing solution, you will need kerosene, water, and liquid dish soap. Combine one part kerosene with four parts water, and then add a few drops of soap. Then transfer to a plastic spray bottle.

What do mechanics use as a degreaser?

Water-based degreasers are common in a trigger sprayer, or in gallon or drum containers for immersion or batch system cleaning. Specialized equipment like ultrasonic or vapor degreasers are available for more automated cleaning.

What should you not use a degreaser on?

Degreaser should not be used on plants or animals and kept out of children's reach. When using degreasers in food preparation areas, make sure you don't have uncovered food lying around. Use appropriate amounts on a surface. Usually it's best to take small amounts and do the cleaning with that.

Is WD 40 a greaser or degreaser?

A powerful solvent-based degreaser that actually dissolves grease and oil.

What is the best DIY degreaser?

Mix 1 cup vinegar with 3 cups of water, 1 cup of baking soda and ½ cup of dish soap in a bowl. This solution is best used right from the bowl, so dip a clean cloth into the bowl to apply the degreaser, then use the cloth to scrub the greasy surface. Be sure to rinse afterward and wipe the surface again to finish.

Is Goo Be Gone a degreaser?

Keep your workspace and gear spotless with Goo Gone Heavy Duty Cleaner & Degreaser. It effortlessly cuts through the toughest grease, grime and oil. Remove sticky, greasy messes with Goo Gone Goo & Adhesive Remover Aerosol and return your surfaces to their original condition.

What works the same as WD-40?

7 Household Items To Use When You Don't Have WD-40
  • Cooking Spray.
  • Vegetable Oil.
  • Vaseline.
  • Coconut Oil.
  • Beeswax.
  • Mineral Oil.
  • Plumber's Grease.

What is the WD-40 trick?

Cut down on snow shoveling time with this neat trick: Spray the original WD-40 formula on both sides of your shovel before you start. Watch snow, ice and slush slide off the surface. No more stopping every few steps to dislodge built-up snow from your shovel.

Can I use WD-40 as an anti-seize?

Can you use WD-40 as an anti-seize compound? WD-40 is not an anti-seize compound.

Do I need to rinse off degreaser?

Wait five minutes, or however long the manufacturer recommends, before washing the degreaser off. In that time, you could clean the rest of the bike. Wash off degreaser using water.

How long should you let degreaser sit?

Spray on your choice of engine degreaser above and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. For extremely greasy buildup, you may need to agitate the degreaser with a brush before rinsing. If grease remains after rinsing, repeat until clean.

What happens if you let degreaser dry?

Also, if allowed to dry on painted surfaces, some degreasers will dull your car's finish. If you use a degreaser to spot-clean your car or strip the wax, choose an overcast day and be sure to rinse the surface clean before any degreaser product dries.

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